Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by damage of dopaminergic neurons located in various parts of brain including the substantia nigra. This lowers the concentration of dopamine in the striatum. A decrease in dopamine levels by 80 percent leads to the development of symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease such as tremor, bradykinesia, and muscular rigidity. It is usually diagnosed in the population aged 60 and over; however, earlier incidences have been reported.

Based on the severity, it can be categorized into early stage, mid stage and late (or advanced) stage. Currently, the approved therapies provide only symptomatic relief. Levodopa is the standard drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease; however, it is associated with the incidence of dyskinesias. Alternative surgical procedures such as bilateral globus pallidus interna stimulation and bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation can be used in Parkinson's disease patients under certain circumstances.

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